Kumasi, Ghana – The ongoing strike by nurses and midwives has plunged healthcare services in Kumasi into crisis, overwhelming private hospitals as patients flock to these facilities in search of medical care. The situation has forced many public hospitals to operate at reduced capacity or close altogether, leaving a mounting pressure on their counterparts in the private sector.
Despite the heroic efforts of the medical staff, the absence of nurses has created a dire situation for the hospital’s ability to manage its most vulnerable patients. “We are trying our best to maintain care standards, but our numbers are simply not sufficient to cover the workload,” Dr. Bakari added, shedding light on the grim reality faced by healthcare providers during the strike.
In stark contrast, Anwiam Hospital, a private health institution, is experiencing a surge in activity, as public hospitals are unable to accommodate patients. Dr. Yaw Antwi, a physician at Anwiam, reported a significant increase in surgical procedures, noting, “In the past four days alone, we’ve conducted over 20 deliveries—many of which were emergency referrals from other hospitals requiring cesarean sections.” He highlighted the relentless flow of patients, as women seeking maternity care are increasingly rerouted from public facilities like Komfo Anokye, which cannot attend to them due to lack of staff.
Dr. Gabriel Boakye, the Medical Director of Anwiam Hospital, echoed concerns regarding the surge in cases. “We must manage with the resources available to us, even as we face the challenge of returning patients who seek treatment elsewhere. Our primary goal is to provide the best care possible amid these trying circumstances,” he explained, emphasizing the hospital's commitment to its patients despite the overwhelming demand.
Meanwhile, the situation is similarly dire across the Bono East Region, where private hospitals have also seen a significant uptick in patient numbers. Reports indicate that the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital in Fiapre-Sunyani is grappling with an unprecedented influx of patients, placing immense strain on its already limited workforce. Enoch Opoku Nketia, the hospital's administrator, described the staggering rise in outpatient department (OPD) visits, which have surged over 100%. “We are struggling to manage the increased patient load, particularly in critical areas such as the Emergency Unit and the Maternity and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU),” he stated.
Nurse Linda Afful, who works in the NICU at the SDA Hospital, voiced her concerns over the facility’s capacity to cope with the demand for care. “We are currently operating beyond our limits, which poses a real risk to both patients and staff,” she noted, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Dr. Philip Karikari, the hospital’s Medical Director, expressed frustration over the healthcare delivery challenges faced during the strike, lamenting the precarious situation that has been thrust upon medical professionals and patients alike.
As healthcare services continue to struggle, the personal accounts of patients and their families amplify the urgency of the crisis. Many have shared their distressing experiences with 3news, illustrating the dire need for a timely resolution to the strike that has left many without access to essential healthcare services.
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has been on strike since June 2, demanding the implementation of an approved Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that was established during the previous Akufo-Addo administration. However, the current administration led by President Mahama has rejected these demands, citing financial constraints and proposing to postpone the implementation of the agreement until 2026. The nurses have firmly opposed this delay, insisting on immediate action.
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A meeting with members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health yielded a decision to reconvene in two weeks to further discuss the situation, leaving many in the healthcare community anxious for a resolution that could alleviate the current strain on both public and private healthcare systems.
As the strike continues, the spotlight remains on the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to restore services, ensuring that patients receive the care they so desperately need in these challenging times.
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